Zonqor Point farmers have already started ploughing their fields in preparation for the winter crop but are doing so without knowing if the land they have tilled for decades will still be theirs a few months down the line.
The Malta Independent spoke to a number of farmers after Prime Minister Joseph Muscat confirmed on Sunday that part of the American University of Malta will still be built at Zonqor Point. It was revealed some days ago that the government was mulling relocating the project to the Cottonera area but Dr Muscat has now made it amply clear that Zonqor will still host part of the campus.
Toni Pulis yesterday told this paper that the news came as a shock after the Cottonera plans had given farmers a ray of hope. To make matters worse, farmers have already started preparing to sow the winter crop but fear that they will not be able to reap the harvest. “I have just planted cabbages. Others have already started ploughing their fields to plant potatoes after the summer. We are disappointed by the PM’s decision to put part of the university in Zonqor. We do not know what is happening and if our land will be taken away. We are doing this work not knowing if it is all for nothing.”
Another farmer, who did not wish to be named, said he had just been called to pay the lease for the land. “I went and paid my dues but told the person sitting at the desk that I did not know if the land would be taken away. They told me to speak to the Lands Department to see about the future of these fields.” The farmer is more worried than many others because according to the original plans the university will be constructed smack in the middle of his land. “We have been kept completely in the dark. I hope we are not working in vain.”
Wistin Pulis said farmers have started spreading manure in the fields as fertilizer in advance of the winter crop rotation. He has also just paid the lease but explained that the ‘qbiela’ is paid for the previous 12 months and not in advance. He feels slightly more at ease because his fields are higher up in Zonqor and will probably not form part of the university campus however. He said, however, that some farmers will definitely be affected and said that, if the Zonqor campus will be small in size it could be built on the garigue land behind the swimming pool complex, and not on arable land.
Stepping up the fight
In the meantime, eNGOs and politicians yesterday pledged to step up the fight against the proposed development on the pristine area in Marsaskala. Front Harsien ODZ said the Prime Minister is being absolutist and stubborn in ignoring civil society's opposition to development at Zonqor. The Front said this is even more worrying when he chose to make this declaration when Parliament is in summer recess and without publishing the agreement with developers Sadeen Group. Front Harsien ODZ asked the Prime Minister to declare whether any electoral obligations exist with Sadeen Group.
Marsaskala Labour Deputy Mayor Desiree` Attard referred to the statement issued by the Front Harsien ODZ: “our position remains the same. We will continue working to save Zonqor because we believe that no part of the AUM should be constructed there. This is natural land and it should remain so. The only project that should take place there is the natural park promised in 2006. We will remain strong in our values and we will keep opposing this project,” Ms Attard said.
Din l-Art Helwa President Maria Grazia Cassar said: “Sticking to principles, is not being absolutist. This is not just about Zonqor point but about the future of Malta’s countryside and natural spaces. The Government should lead by example and Din l-Art Helwa felt heartened that the pleas of the public and civil society were being listened to, when it learnt that areas in Cottonera were being studied. It is unbelievable that the project is still forging ahead in an ODZ area, when there are numerous other alternatives. It is a big letdown for all of us.”
John Paul Gauci from Flimkien ghal Ambjent Ahjar said the PM's decision was puzzling. “The infrastructure there is not ready for a University campus, and opens the area for further so-called 'development'. Is a social impact assessment for Marsascala also to be carried out, and will it be done seriously, without bias? What about traffic impact, noise generated, etc? What about the quality of life of many Marsascala residents who, believe it or not, actually enjoy the quiet of the neighbourhood, and aren't there to make a quick buck? Why is the countryside always seen as a 'cheap, obvious development zone'? And why haven't the details of the signed agreement with the company ever been published? As a Marsascala resident, I am very concerned with all the above.”